Dog parasites are organisms that live on or inside your dog and rely on them for survival, often causing harm in the process. They can be broadly grouped into external parasites (such as fleas and ticks that live on the skin) and internal parasites (such as worms that live in the intestines, heart, or lungs).
Parasites can impact your dog’s health in different ways—from skin irritation and itching to more serious conditions such as paralysis, gastrointestinal or respiratory disease. Some parasites can also be passed to people, which is why regular prevention is an important part of protecting both your dog and your household.
Dogs across greater Sydney may be exposed to a range of internal and external parasites.
Puppies are commonly infected with intestinal worms early in life.
They require:
In Greater Sydney, all adult dogs are recommended to receive consistent, year-round parasite protection, as parasites are present throughout the year in this environment. Even dogs with limited outdoor exposure can encounter parasites in backyards, parks, or through contact with other animals.
There are many parasite prevention options available, including treatments that protect against multiple parasites.
Rather than using a single approach for all dogs, we:
Parasite prevention is closely linked with other aspects of your dog’s health.
At routine visits, we may also:
If you are unsure what parasite prevention your dog needs, our team can help develop a plan tailored to your dog and your household.
Yes. Even dogs that stay primarily at home are exposed to parasites when they go outside to toilet or spend time in the yard. Your veterinarian can tailor a prevention plan based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk.
Dogs can be infected through contaminated environments, contact with other animals, or ingesting fleas. Puppies can also be infected early in life, including through their mother’s milk.
Some intestinal worms are zoonotic and can infect people. Good hygiene and an appropriate prevention plan help reduce this risk, particularly in households with children, pregnant people, or immunocompromised individuals.
Yes. Fleas may be difficult to see, and some dogs are very sensitive to flea bites. Even small numbers of fleas can cause significant itching and skin irritation.
Often yes. Flea eggs and larvae live in the environment. Washing bedding and vacuuming can help reduce flea burden alongside treating your dog.
This depends on your dog’s lifestyle and risk. Most dogs are treated monthly to provide consistent protection against common parasites.
For some owners, longer-acting options (including products that last up to 12 months for certain parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm) may be suitable. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate plan for your dog.
Ticks can affect dogs in many parts of Australia. On the east coast, the paralysis tick is of particular concern as it can cause serious illness, including paralysis. If you live in or travel to a tick-risk area, appropriate prevention and regular checks are important.
Not always. Some over-the-counter products use older active ingredients, and resistance has been reported in certain parasite populations. This can make them less reliable in some situations.
Your veterinarian can recommend products with proven effectiveness based on your dog’s risk and local parasite patterns.
